Onanuga dismisses opposition coalition, says defectors ‘hungry for power’

By Kunle Sanni –

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has dismissed the emergence of a new political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as a gathering of disgruntled politicians driven by personal ambition and united only by their opposition to President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, said many of the politicians backing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had long abandoned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “They are not new defectors. Most of them left the APC years or months ago,” he wrote, adding that the APC would not “mourn” their departure.

The coalition was officially unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja, with former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola named interim national chairman and secretary, respectively.

Prominent figures present at the launch included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Liyel Imoke, and former ministers Rotimi Amaechi, Solomon Dalung, and Abubakar Malami.

Others in attendance were Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Victor Umeh, Uche Secondus, and former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun.

Onanuga labelled members of the new alliance “renegades,” accusing them of anti-party activities, failed political ambitions, and personal grudges. He claimed Aregbesola was expelled for working against the APC in Osun, while Amaechi and Imoke left after losing out in the 2022 primaries.

He also referenced corruption allegations against former aviation minister Hadi Sirika, who is now aligned with the ADC.

Describing the coalition as a group of “disgruntled elements,” Onanuga urged Nigerians not to be misled by their rhetoric, insisting the APC remains firmly in control and focused on delivering good governance.